Butters Very Own Episode

"Butters' Very Own Episode" is the final episode of South Park's fifth season, originally airing on December 12, 2001. It centers on Butters Stotch, who survives a murder attempt by his mother after discovering his father's homosexual activities. Butters must return home in time for his parents' anniversary celebration at Bennigan's. His parents, Linda and Chris, lie to the press about his disappearance, blaming it on "some Puerto Rican guy," and join a group of infamous figures like O.J. Simpson and John Ramsey, who also claimed their loved ones were taken by similar assailants.

Butters survives his mother's attempt to kill him, mirroring the Susan Smith case, and confronts his parents about their lies. This leads them to confess the truth to the media, revealing unsettling details. The episode parodies 1950s sitcoms with a dark comedic twist and marks Butters' first central role, as creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone planned to make him a more prominent character after Kenny's reduced role.

The episode was written by Trey Parker and directed by Eric Stough, earning an 8.5 rating from IGN for its classic moments. However, the portrayal of Gary Condit and the Ramseys, tied to real-life crimes, led to regret from the creators. The episode is part of the Season 5 DVD set and a Butters-themed collection, with audio commentaries by Parker and Stone.